The Seymour and District Historical Society in Victoria will use funds from the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations program to tell the story of the ‘Black Train’, which has stood adjacent to Seymour Railway Station for nearly 60 years.
The Black Train, as it’s known to locals, is a preserved D3684 steam locomotive built in 1913 and put on display in J.W Elliot Reserve in 1965.
The Seymour and District Historical Society will publish a booklet including the details of the locomotive’s history and technical details, and the story of its acquisition, transportation, clean up and ongoing maintenance.
Established in 1964, the society records the history of the town and surrounds, displays items of significance, conducts historical research and preserves historic sites.
Seymour and District Historical Society president Geoff Halpin said Seymour had a rich railway history, with the industry employing one third of the population in its heyday.
“The Black Train is an important part of that history and train buffs come from all over the state to see it,” he said.
“The new booklet will provide train buffs and visitors the full history and significance of this impressive engine.”
ARTC Victoria and South Australia Projects general manager Ed Walker said the work organisations such as the Society carried out was instrumental to the wellbeing of regional communities.
“The latest round of funding takes overall support for local communities and associations along the Inland Rail alignment to nearly $1.1 million since the program launched in 2019,” he said.
“I encourage other non-profit groups to lodge their applications for the next round of funding which is open until Sunday, April 30.”
The program offers funding between $1000 and $4000 for individuals and organisations in regional areas along the Inland Rail alignment. The funding supports organisations or individuals that contribute to local and regional prosperity, wellbeing, and sustainability.
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